In his privilege speech entitled “Why always Fort Sto. Domingo?" Fernandez recalled the historical importance of the area to residents of Sta Rosa.

During the Spanish colonial occupation, Fort Sto. Domingo was established as Cuartel de Sto. Domingo in 1877 to guard against the attacks of Filipino rebels from SIlang, Cavite.

Fernandez said the residents there now are descendants of those who fought for Sta. Rosa.

Fernandez decried the policy decisions of the executive and judicial branches of government to detain high-profile persons in Fort Sto Domingo, including former President Joseph Estrada, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, Senator Gringo Honasan, Nur Misuari and now Janet Lim Napoles.